Carbon Fast 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

During Lent, a Carbon Fast can honour God’s creation

A carbon fast challenges people to examine their daily actions and reflect on how they have an impact on the environment. The carbon fast campaigns are designed so that, during Lent, people can take small steps to reduce carbon dioxide output with the hope of helping the environment and bringing the world one step closer to a sustainable existence. The steps that we practice during Lent are meant to be continued so as to make the change lasting.

In India, a carbon fast has great meaning because so many in the country are not only aware of climate change but are already negatively affected by it, noted CSI moderator Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen.

For Catholics and many others, Lent is the time when we remember the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, facing challenge and temptation. It is a time when we reflect on God’s purpose for our life. Many take this opportunity to fast from smoking, alcohol or chocolates.

But this year our challenge is deeper, to take a carbon fast – to reduce the actions which damage God’s Creation; to reduce our use of petrol, electricity, plastic, paper, water and toxins. Each Parish is allotted and invited to take small steps for a more sustainable world, and by doing so rediscover a different relationship with God, with Creation, and with one another. Each Parish of the Archdiocese will plan a Carbon Fast on the day allotted to them. The Archdiocese will have a Carbon Fast from Ash Wednesday 1 March to Saturday 8 April 2017.